LETTER: No parole for Tozzi

Published: Monday, May 6, 2013 at 6:41 p.m.

Last Modified: Monday, May 6, 2013 at 6:55 p.m.

On Oct. 10, 1997, the Etowah County Task Force served a drug search warrant on a house in Rainbow City. Within 20 minutes of the knock on the front door, Capt. Chris McCurley was dead and three other officers — Sgt. Gary Entrekin, Deputy Rick Correll and Officer Khris Yancey — were wounded. Drug dealers Ezra Petersen and Connie Tozzi were convicted in the attack. While on death row, Petersen hung himself in prison. Tozzi was sentenced to 40 years in prison for one count of murder and three counts of attempted murder.

This year marks 15 years since the murder of my husband, Chris McCurley. The Alabama Parole and Pardons Board will consider Connie Tozzi's parole application for the second time on June 18.

Tozzi sold methamphetamines and other drugs. In the weeks prior to the shooting, she bought guns for Petersen, since as a convicted felon he could not legally purchase them. While Petersen fired an AK-47 at the officers through the front door, Tozzi helped him reload. She gathered guns, money and drugs into a car for their getaway. When she was captured, she was wearing a bullet-proof vest and had a loaded 9mm pistol in her hand.

Fifteen years is a long time, but we remember. We remember a man who was not only a law enforcement officer, but a husband, a father, an uncle and a friend. He was kind and funny. He loved bluegrass music and computers; hard chocolate cake and Chevy Chase "Vacation" movies. We remember a man who did what he believed was right even when it cost him his life.

I am asking your help in fighting the parole of Connie Tozzi, Case No. 203326, convicted murderer and drug dealer. Letters may be sent directly to the Alabama Parole and Pardons Board, P.O. Box 302405, Montgomery, AL 36130-2405.

<p>On Oct. 10, 1997, the Etowah County Task Force served a drug search warrant on a house in Rainbow City. Within 20 minutes of the knock on the front door, Capt. Chris McCurley was dead and three other officers — Sgt. Gary Entrekin, Deputy Rick Correll and Officer Khris Yancey — were wounded. Drug dealers Ezra Petersen and Connie Tozzi were convicted in the attack. While on death row, Petersen hung himself in prison. Tozzi was sentenced to 40 years in prison for one count of murder and three counts of attempted murder.</p><p>This year marks 15 years since the murder of my husband, Chris McCurley. The Alabama Parole and Pardons Board will consider Connie Tozzi's parole application for the second time on June 18.</p><p>Tozzi sold methamphetamines and other drugs. In the weeks prior to the shooting, she bought guns for Petersen, since as a convicted felon he could not legally purchase them. While Petersen fired an AK-47 at the officers through the front door, Tozzi helped him reload. She gathered guns, money and drugs into a car for their getaway. When she was captured, she was wearing a bullet-proof vest and had a loaded 9mm pistol in her hand. </p><p>Fifteen years is a long time, but we remember. We remember a man who was not only a law enforcement officer, but a husband, a father, an uncle and a friend. He was kind and funny. He loved bluegrass music and computers; hard chocolate cake and Chevy Chase "Vacation" movies. We remember a man who did what he believed was right even when it cost him his life.</p><p>I am asking your help in fighting the parole of Connie Tozzi, Case No. 203326, convicted murderer and drug dealer. Letters may be sent directly to the Alabama Parole and Pardons Board, P.O. Box 302405, Montgomery, AL 36130-2405.</p><p>Donna McCurley</p><p>Gadsden</p>